Physical activity and self-esteem: ‘Jonny’s story’

Abstract

Previous research has proposed that physical exercise can raise self-esteem. This paper will examine the extent to which physical activity interventions, within one case study primary school supported the development of self-estee of a ju io ea hild o e a pe iod of fi e o ths. Jo as years old when the physical activity intervention commenced. His name is a pseudonym to protect his o fide tialit . Jo had ee easu ed o the s hool s ell ei g easu e e t s ale a d as reported to have a very low self-esteem, which had affected his learning through the previous two years in primary school. He was working in the low ability sets for both Mathematics and English and his self-esteem had hindered his ability to make and develop relationships with both adults and peers within his year group. Through participating in the physical activity interventions, Jonny increased the distance that he was able to throw a shot put and hammer, he was able to describe positively his ownod o e e ts a d he i p o ed his a ade i pe fo a es. The fi di gs suggest that it is possi le within a primary school case study setting, to improve self-esteem through physical activity interventions. Key WordsPh si al a ti it i te e tio s; hild e s self-esteemArticle History

A Study of Effects of Kids' Athletics Exercises on Academic Achievement and Self-esteem

“…There are many studies in the literature that show a relationship between physical activity and self-esteem and between physical activity and academic achievement. Despite the positive relationship between physical activity and academic achievement and self-esteem in past studies [28,30,31], very little studies have been found on the type, severity and duration of physical activity that may be appropriate [32,33]. In this respect, it is evaluated that it is important that our work is focused on kids' athletics, that a specific program is introduced, and that there are no studies that investigate the effects of kids' athletic practices alone.…”

“…Training was done on discus throw and shot put. At the end of the term; John is raised literacy and mathematic grades and led to a small but significant increase in self-esteem [28].…”